INTER-TrIB DRAMA: COCKROACHES

Kaveh K, Year 11 writes...

Inter-Trib Drama 2023: Cockroaches

As the Spring Term came to a close, Wetherby Senior School hosted one of its most competitive events of the year: Inter-Trib Drama. This competition, organised by Miss Twomey, involves a purpose-written play split into five scenes for all five Tribs, with each scene being equal in length and significance in the wider story.

This year, the play was a thrilling whodunnit called Cockroaches. It told the story of Bridlington, a frustrated prison guard, as he is tasked with solving a mystery that involves a note, a murderous threat and five prisoners; one of whom (according to the note), is planning to murder another.

Set within the confines of the prison, Bridlington gets increasingly stressed as he tries to unravel the clues to discover that not everything is as it appears. And, all the while, the clock ticks down…

Preparation for the big night began months before the final performance. Right at the beginning of the Spring Term, each scene was cast, which required six actors from every Trib, and at least one director. After a team had been assembled, rehearsals took place every Friday, in the lunchtime club slot. Over the course of the term, each Trib iterated through basic blocking, memorising lines, refining and improving.

Monday 27th March saw the dress rehearsal, followed by the first performance, allowing each Trib 48 hours to improve their scene, before the final performance the following Thursday. By the time Thursday evening came around, the atmosphere was highly competitive.

First to perform was Walbrook, which immediately set a high bar for performance quality, and had excellent chemistry between all six actors. After that, it was Effra, which included a number of younger years, yet still managed to bring an impressive energy and volume, followed by Fleet, with a tangible manic energy and excitement that closed out the first half. After the interval, Ravensbourne swept the stage with creative staging and direction, excellently utilising crosscutting. Finally, to end the play, was Tyburn, a very strong team.

Trib groups then waited anxiously to find out the winners of each category while an external judge, who had watched the entire performance, came to her decisions. The award winners were:

Best director- Maani N, Fleet

Most engaging actor- Oscar F, Fleet

Best characterisation- Matteo M, Ravensbourne

5th place - Tyburn

4th place - Walbrook

3rd place - Effra

2nd place - Fleet

1st place - Ravensbourne

Totals:

Tyburn = 20 points

Walbrook = 40 points

Effra = 60 points

Fleet = 100 points

Ravensbourne = 110 points

Well done to everyone involved, and congratulations to Effra, Fleet and Ravensbourne.